Abstract
Recommendations regarding the management of radial head fractures have experienced
an evolution over the past 2 decades. Prior recommendations consisted of early range
of motion for nondisplaced fractures and radial head excision for displaced fractures.
Development of improved surgical techniques and implants along with a better understanding
of the biomechanics of the elbow have pushed recommendations toward restitution of
the normal anatomy of the elbow by rigid open reduction and internal fixation of displaced
radial head fractures. Radial head excision is recommended where rigid internal fixation
is impossible, and prosthetic radial head replacement may be required with associated
ligamentous instability of the elbow, forearm, or wrist. Copyright © 2001 by the American
Society for Surgery of the Hand
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References
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Article info
Publication history
1531-0914/01/0104-0002$35.00/0
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© 2001 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.